The co-infection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is frequently observed because these viruses present in their similarity transmission routes, particularly in relation to the parenteral route. In Brazil, the frequency depends on the geographical area in question, ranging from 8.9% to 54%. In co-infected patients, the progression of HCV disease is usually more aggressive and has a high level of viremia, but there is an increased risk of association with HCV cirrhosis and / or liver cancer. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of HCV and risk factors associated with coinfection in HIV-positive individuals in the city of Imperatriz Maranhão. Participants 249 HIV positive patients seen at the SAE Program Municipal STD / AIDS Imperatriz of Maranhão. Was collected from each volunteer 10 mL of peripheral blood for routine HIV testing, where research was done HCV IgG antibodies specific tests and Molecular Biology (RT-PCR) to investigate the viral RNA and genotyping. Among the patients there was similarity between the frequency of genera, 49% male and 51% female, mean age 40 years. It was observed that 98% have low literacy and 63% have an income of up to one minimum wage. The seroprevalence of anti-HCV was 2.4% (6/249). In comparing the risk factors studied among patients in the reactive and non reactive serologic test for HCV-specific antibodies demonstrated that the presence of tattoos and piercing was the only factor that was significant, being more frequent in the reactants. This was the first study that investigates the HIV and HCV coinfection in the city of Imperatriz, Maranhão and identification of coinfected patients was of fundamental importance for the service since then will follow up these patients.
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